Ask Acquiring Muuny

[Karys]

Kaeys chuckled at Kaldar’s response. If only it was that simple. “It doesn’t change size or mass, just species and face.” Karys explained. “The last time I used it, it changed me into a human, like you.” He said with a nod towards Kaldar. “It was…not fun.” He murmured as he rubbed idly at one of his facial ridges.

Karys wasn’t surprised at Kaldar’s admission of breaking and entering. The man was willing to murder for power, there couldn’t be much else he wasn’t willing to do for it. That was a something Karys actually respected in his acquaintance.

When they finally came to a stop in front of a high rise apartment building, Karys’ golden gaze turned upwards. He tried momentarily to count the floors and quickly decided it was an impossible task. He eventually turned his gaze back down to Kaldar as his partner explained the guard station and the issue that had already arisen.

At the mention of scaling from a different level up Karys shook his head. “Do you know how hard the winds will be blowing up there?” Karys asked.

Karys’ gut reaction to scaling this building was a sharp nope. He’d down a potion handed to him by Azar. He’d fight someone twice his size. Hells he’d take on a Sith Master before willingly scaling this building. “One mistake and all the credits in Muunilinst won’t be able to bring you back.” He pointed out.

If Kaldar took a few moments, he’d be able to coax Karys into agreeing with the idea, begrudgingly. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, climbing likely was the better option.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar smiled smoothyl at Karys's statements about climbing the building. For more reasons than one, but not the least of which was that they had few other options. If they wanted to access the penthouse, they couldn't take the elevator.

He gave a shrug when Karys asked how hard the winds would be blowing, Not that hard, he said. And it was probably true. Sure, there would be wind, but not so much as to blow them off the building entirely.

Then don't make a mistake, he added with another smooth smile.

Besides, you Sith boys can drop from any distance and survive, right? What's the worst that can happen? he asked. Well he wasn't wrong, and his mention of Karys being Sith was so nonchalant as to almost be missed.

Was he tipping his hand a bit? Maybe, but there was no real benefit to pretending he hadn't put two and two together. And if not, well, then the response might give him a bit of information anyway.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Don’t make mistakes.

Easier said than done. Karys took a deep breath to steady himself. He hated the heat and he hated heights. Thankfully, he’d only have to face down one and not both. He began to focus on mentally preparing for this climb when Kaldar spoke again.

Karys quirked an eyebrow ridge.

The potion hadn’t exactly been a dead give away but it certainly gave credence to Kaldar’s claim. Especially if the other man had any insight into what being Sith was. Still, Karys didn’t confirm Kaldar’s claim. Instead he gave Kaldar a knowing smirk.

No reason to hide it now.

<We will climb then.> Karys replied in his native tongue.

Karys would lead them into the apartment lobby and to the elevator. Once inside, he’d press the highest publicly available floor. He’d wait for the doors to close before speaking again.

<Not Sith, I am a trained agent of House Sadow.> He explained, a partial truth. <I am in exile and work for the Zygerrians to have protection and steady income.> Another half-truth.

Karys wouldn’t look to Kaldar as he explained. His eyes remained focused on the floor numbers as they ticked up. But the lies and half truths rolled from his tongue so easily. But that wasn’t what sold them, it was the begrudging nature of his tone, an admission that he wasn’t proud of. His gaze eventually pulled away from the screen and fell back to Kaldar.

<My kind’s nobility have long and vengeful memories.>

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Yeah, I don't speak Sith, he said, making the assumption that was the responded language and confirmed by the fact that it was apparently blocked by his EZPhone translator. Typical.

Kaldar was a little dubious of Karys's claim, but he supposed it was possible that the man really wasn't affiliated with the Sith Order and was just a rogue, independent Dark Sider who was out making potions and helping slavers. It was conceivable.

The final comment by Karys was one that Kaldar wasn't sure how to interpret. Either there was some history there that Kaldar wasn't picking up on or maybe it was a threat. Or maybe it was both or neither.

Well, that's nice, he said after a moment in a nebulous tone.

The doors to the turbolift slid open, and he stepped out onto the floor of the building. An observation platform and bar were at one side of the building.

If we wait until after dark by finding a maintenance closet or something to hide in there's fewer witnesses and less chance of anyone thinking "oh maybe he got pushed," he said quietly, starting to look around for anywhere that would work for that. The galaxy didn't stay cleaned and swept without maintenance workers and all the other "little people" who made sure that the galaxy ran smoothly. Finding where those people were was their next step in getting the kill they needed.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys blinked in surprise at Kaldar’s response. His golden gaze studied the other man for a moment before shaking his head.

“I figured if you knew my race you had to know the la-“ Karys paused and rubbed the bridge of his nose in faux frustration. “Never mind, forget I said anything.” He grumbled.

Karys stood in absolute silence the rest of the elevator ride up to the top floor. When the chime letting the pair know they had reached their destination chimed, Karys internally sighed with relief. The pair stepped out, Kaldar just ahead of Karys. The two looked out on the platform and bar. Certainly in the right place.

Karys’ gaze fell to Kaldar as the other man spoke. The thought of the two of them squeezed into a small closet would have been appealing, given different circumstances. But given the nature and length of this stay, Karys wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it. He inhaled deeply and gave Kaldar a nod of confirmation.

It wouldn’t take too long for the pair to find a closet to slip into. It was a good little ways away from the bar, ensuring that it was unlikely any custodians or employees would barge in. Unlike before, Karys had now caught on that Kaldar wasn’t exactly the conversationalist, or at least wasn’t with him. So for the first half hour, Karys stayed quiet, his mind floating back to Nar Shadda and what had happened mere weeks ago. He knew what had to happen next, he knew what his response had to be, and it would have to be swift and brutal.

“The target will need to look like he jumped on his own. He either needs to leave a note or we need to leave one for him.” Karys stated finally. “Making it look like suicide due to familial issues or other pressures shouldn’t be hard.” He continued.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar squinted at Karys in an "are you serious" face when he said if he knew the species he would know the language.

You know what a Wookiee is? You speak fluent Shyriiwook? he retorted sassily.

They made their way over to one of the maintenance closets, and Kaldar settled into a corner. Yeah, it should be easy enough. His Dad's losing his mind to dementia, his company is in a precarious spot, and the whole Clan is looking to him. Enough to drive someone to extreme measures, he agreed.

With the right nudge with the Force, it wouldn't even be a fake suicide. It would just be him leaping to his death.

With that, Kaldar closed his eyes and fell into the Force, meditating and preparing himself for the job to come. He was arguably even more alert in this state, and although he appeared "defenseless" it couldn't be further from the truth.

---​

It had only taken mind tricking one person before closing to allow the pair to remain within the observation rooms after closing, and when they emerged hours later and in the middle of the night, it was for blood.

Trickiest part of is going to be the climb, he said, heading over to one of the balconies to find a way to open the doors to the outside.

Penthouse is only a couple of floors up, he said, and then realized something. You know, I wonder if he has a private stairwell or something, he said suddenly, eyes frowning in realization. In fact, he'd bet there was one.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys paused at Kaldar’s response to his question. What kind of question was that? Of course he didn’t speak Shyriiwook fluently! He had only reached intermediate levels on GalaxLingo last night!

“Don’t be silly, few creatures other than Wookiees have the vocal range required to speak proper Shyriiwook.” He replied bluntly. “But I can get by.” He continued with a shrug completely missing or ignoring the rhetorical and sarcastic nature of Kaldar’s reply.

Once they had arrived in their closet Kaldar would lay out more of his plan. Karys nodded, easily following along with the outline. The pressure the target was facing was more than enough to turn him into a jumper, even if he needed a teeny tiny push to get there.

Then Kaldar did something unexpected, he knelt and began to meditate. Karys felt the Dark Side swirl around him in a way he’d only felt around Azar. He glanced over at Kaldar, his eyebrow ridge quirked with genuine curiosity and interest.

It seemed he wasn’t the only one with a secret.

Karys sat down opposite of Kaldar, he did a quick inventory check. He had to be sure everything was ready, that everything was in its proper place. Once done, he’d place his back against the opposite wall of the closet and let his mind drift off to unpleasant memories.

He drew on those emotions, finding power and strength in them. Countless moments of emotional or physical harm flooded his mind and in turn flooded his body with the potent energies of the Dark Side. His senses widened and felt the raw strength that emanated from Kaldar. If Karys was a fire, his new ally was an inferno.

Hours later the pair would emerge from their closet, only one cleaning lady had opened the door. She had been made to forget them and continue about her business. Karys followed Kaldar as they made their way to a balcony. Karys looked up as Kaldar explained where the penthouse was. As his partner spoke, Karys dared to glance down and felt himself became a little woozy at the sight. That drop was definitely far enough to kill anyone, even a Sith.

When Kaldar brought up the possibility of a stairwell, relief washed through him. This was definitely a more preferable option to him. Not that Karys couldn’t climb the outside of a building, he just didn’t want to.

“Are you wanting to split up? One finds and covers the stairwell, the other deals with the target.” Karys suggested.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar just stared at Karys for a minute with an "are you kidding me" face when he replied quite seriously to the comment about speaking Wookiee. Ultimately, though, it seemed that Kaldar had maybe learned something about the man: he was very literal.

When they started brainstorming how to tackle getting to the actual penthouse, Kaldar made a throaty sound to indicate he didn't love the idea of splitting up.

He doesn't know we're coming, and even if he did, he probably wouldn't flee into the observation platform, he said.

Better to have two people hunting the target... unless you're proposing someone climb the outside of the building still... in which case, not it, he added with a snicker. Neither of them was particularly excited about that, and for good reason.

Although, you seem eager to do some climbing, he said with a smirk, motioning toward the outside of the building in offer to Karys.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

A wave of relief washed over Karys when Kaldar cleared his throat. It seemed that his partner had no intention of climbing the outside of the building and wasn’t in the mood to split up either. Karys took several steps back and away from the balcony as Kaldar explained his reasoning. It checked out with Karys and made perfect sense.

It was his teasing about the climb up that got a similar reaction to when Karys showed him the potion.

“I am not doing that.” Karys responded immediately. “I’d rather suck start a scatter-blaster than do that.” He continued as he shook his head. “Let’s find those damned stairs.”

Karys would immediately walk away from the balcony and begin his search. He’d done assignments similar to this one and knew that these stair cases were often hidden. So, as Karys made his way down the hall ways, he would extend his senses and feel for inconsistencies. After passing down the 5th hallway, Karys would pause. His heightened senses would pick up on the faint sound of air being pulled into something.

His golden gaze turned to the wall and he felt for cracks or anything that could give it away. There was but a vent in the floor tha-

THAT DIDN’T MAKE SENSE HERE!

Karys’ turned to look at Kaldar before beginning to inspect the carpet they stood on. He hunted for a seam that didn’t make sense or clearly altered areas that could be something to open. Eventually, his fingers found purchase and he nodded to Kaldar.

“Find the other side of this hatch and help me lift, it’s heavy.”

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar snickered as Karys mentioned very clearly how he felt about climbing the outside of the building. And for good reason.

He slowly looked over the area and Karys seemed to catch sight of something that didn't belong, pulling at some sort of concealed door.

Wow, this is elaborate, he commented. Hidden door and everything, huh? he muttered. He let out another throaty groan but moved in to help out.

He grabbed the edge of the hatch, pulling up with his own strength and wrapping into it with the Force to give an extra edge. It popped open with great strain, finally buckling as Kaldar sensed and popped a hidden latch.

Kriff, well there we go. Good catch, he said. Go upstairs, trick him into jumping, leave, he said, reviewing the plan before setting off to do just that.

It was unlikely that there were cameras in the man's penthouse, but it was always possible, and Kaldar peeked carefully around all the corners as they advanced further inside, eventually coming up to the penthouse door, he popped it open and was met by the darkness of the penthouse. The view from up here through the windows was also extraordinary, and he wished he could have taken the time to enjoy it.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys felt Kaldar draw on the Force as they tugged. Why hadn’t he thought of that? Karys wouldn’t have time to mull over his lack of foresight, the hatch gave when the latch popped, they were in. Karys half expected dust to billow up to meet them, none did. It was perfectly clean in the hallways that eventually led up to a staircase.

“Someone watches way too many cheesy spy and crime holos…” Karys whispered as they slowly made their way to the exit.

When Kaldar reviewed their plan, Karys pulled his gaze down from his surroundings and back to his partner. He gave Kaldar a nod of affirmation.

“Yep.” He replied. “It’s showtime.” He muttered beneath his breath.

When Karys and Kaldar finally emerged into the penthouse, the massive Pureblood paused to look around in the dark. This place was insane. And their mark was considered a part of a minor clan? What the fu-

Karys remembered why they were here, his sense extended as he hunted for life. There was a faint pull deeper into the apartment. Karys looked around and spotted a half empty wine bottle on the counter. He nodded towards Kaldar, then the bottle, and then slowly towards a door he assumed led to a different room.

“I think he’s this way.” Karys mouthed as he got ready near the frame of the door.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar wiped down where he had grabbed the hatch and pressed inward and up the stairs to find their target. One quick plunge to his death and it would be all over for the two of them.

Kaldar nodded as Karys indicated the direction that the man was likely resting.

You hold him in place with the Force and I'll... convince him of the quickest way to the ground, he said. No marks on the body, he said.

Of course, the body was going to be mush when it got to the bottom, but Kaldar didn't want to take any risks.

Ready? he asked, and on Karys' confirmation, he took several quick breaths before hitting the button for the door to leap open and moved inside. He waited for Karys to get his grip, and when he was satisfied they were in control of the situation, he got to work.

His eyes flicked over to the balcony to the outdoors and he smiled wickedly. He reached out with the Force and pried into the man's mind.

Your father is withering away. Your people are all looking to you. You cannot take the pressure. Your life is fleeting and meaningless. There is no reason for you to continue on. Why persist? Why endure? End it, he said. Each word was laced with the Force and he pried at the doubts and fears already present in the man's mind, letting them bloom up and grow.

He stoked them until they were in a raging fire, consuming everything in the man's mind.

Let him go, he said to Karys with a nod.

Leap to your end and find the sweet release of nothingness, he said to the man, slamming the final nail home.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys nodded at Kaldar’s instructions, there was no point in hiding it now. They both likely had figured out what the other was, trained dark siders. Willing to murder for personal gain. The list of possibilities wasn’t exactly extensive.

When Kaldar asked if he was ready, Karys simply cocked an eyebrow ridge at him. “Yeah, I have a client to satisfy. Let’s finish this.” He whispered in reply.

Karys waited until Kaldar punched the button and the door slid open. He let his partner in literal crime enter first, he was just a step behind. The tall Muun spun around in an office chair, a glass of wine and a picture frame in his hands. He wouldn’t be given the time to question anything, Karys’ hand jutted forth. The Dark Side coiled around the helpless Muun, it held him firmly in place and kept his mouth shut. There’d be no screaming for help.

Karys watched as Kaldar plied his trade. He felt him draw on the Dark Side and use it in a way that was similar to how Karys persuaded other beings through the Force. But it was different, the way Kaldar laced his words wasn’t suggestive, it felt forceful, it felt powerful. Karys was so focused on the display, he almost didn’t hear Kaldar’s instructions to release him. He blinked a few times and released his grip.

At Kaldar’s final words the young Muun rose to his feet. He seemed to be almost in a trance-like state and he walked towards the balcony. He’d step outside, look around, take a deep breath, and then climb over the edge. Karys watched in amazement as the Muun pushed off and disappeared, falling to his doom.

“H-how?” Karys asked, his gaze still hadn’t shifted. “Who are you really?” He continued, his golden gaze pulled itself from the balcony and back to Kaldar.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar watched the man rise, walk to the platform and plunge over. There was no need to track him to the ground far below or feel his life Force snuff in an instant as he struck the pavement. It was inevitable, and better than that, it was of his "own will" which meant there wasn't even evidence of force or violence.

He watched the man plunge over the side, and he simply felt... nothing. At first there was the cold nothingness that came with snuffing out a life followed moments later by the satisfaction of a job completed and a moment later by the feeling of power that came with that kind of control. It was true power.

Karys asked him who he was, and Kaldar thought for only a split second. He was the future of a Sith. He was the apprentice to Darth Raze who was the heir of all the power of the Sith.

I am Sith, he said, his voice cold and momentarily different than it normally sounded. It was no great revelation by this point, but there were some secrets that were best kept as that. Working in darkness and shadow was his greatest asset yet.

They'll come investigate, and we need to be gone, he said, heading for the exit and making note of everything he had touched to ensure no fingerprints were left. Fortunately, the list was... the door controls, which he wiped down as he left.

The stairs to the cafe, door closed, and turbolift down to the street. In short order, they were out into the night air and on the opposite side from the body smear.

What is the cost of a single mortal life? In this case, it was a hefty chunk of credits for them both.

Now we go to Takinashi Clan and hand them their rival on a silver platter, he said.

Which sounds like a tomorrow problem to be honest, he said with a snicker. Right now I could use a drink, he said.

 

[Karys]

At Kaldar’s announcement, Karys’ eyes squinted slightly. He drank in Kaldar’s features, his tone of voice, everything. Karys knew the majority of Sith Masters within the Order, he’d worked with a few of them even before his ascension to Sith Champion. Kaldar wasn’t one he recognized. But his strength in the Dark Side was comparable. Whatever the case, this man was no Sith, at least not from his Order.

“Really?” Karys asked in faux ignorance. “I figured your kind would be…” His voice trailed off. “…a little taller.” A playful smirk finally appeared on Karys’ face. “That voice thing you did was pretty intimidating though, I’ll give you that. Definitely keep that when you make the announcement in the future” Karys teased.

Before Karys could continue picking on his newfound ally, Kaldar stated they should be off. Karys waited for Kaldar to clean off his prints, something Karys also did on the way back down from the hidden exit they’d used to get in. When the pair emerged from the building, Kaldar laid out the continued plan and ended with his need for a drink.

“Now that is something I can get behind.” Karys replied a grin touching his lips. “After all, we should toast to our dear friend.” Karys continued. “He just made our clients a lot of money.” Karys chuckled. “Know of any good places?” He asked.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar just flashed an obscene gesture at his partner and offered no further information or explanation as they made for the exit, glad to be out of the building and onto the street.

Nope. First place we find, I guess, he said with a shrug, heading down until he came to what looked like some sort of Corellian themed pub which looked good enough to Kaldar.

He slid into a seat at the counter and ordered himself an entire bottle for the both of them. He didn't trust things that were opened where he didn't see them. And it was hard liquor, so hopefully Karys liked that.

To another successful... business venture, he said, raising his glass to the other man's. In truth, Kaldar still had a small amount of concern or anxiety about the pending meeting, but at this point, it was too late to change the course. He was sure he'd manage to leverage their own emotions against them. It was perhaps the most powerful thing that he had learned from Raze.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys cackled at Kaldar’s gesture and gave him a playful wink. But he didn’t push any further, instead he followed Kaldar out and onto the streets. When Kaldar told him they’d settle into the first cantina they found, Karys shrugged, worked for him. Eventually, they stumbled across a Corellian themed little pub. It worked for Karys.

When Kaldar ordered their bottle, Karys tossed a credit chip onto the counter.

“I’ve got this one.” He told Kaldar. “Next successful venture, I’ll let you buy.”

Karys would let Kaldar pop the seal and pour their glasses. He clink his glass against his partner’s and take a sip. His golden eyes would study Kaldar for a moment before he spoke again.

“So were you serious back there? You’re actually, well, you know.” He asked the curiosity in his voice was actually genuine. “Because if so, I haven’t seen you around…ever.” He continued.

His cards were on the table now too.

“So what is it? Long term assignment?” Karys continued.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar never let the bottle out of his site as they poured the first two drinks for each of them and clinked glasses against each other.

For a moment, Kaldar wasn't sure what Karys was talking about, but then it clicked in his mind. Ah, he wants to know why he never sees me around, he thought to himself. It was a hilarious game of cat and mouse that Kaldar played with the rest of the Sith Order, but most of them didn't care. If the Inquisitors ever came back that would be a problem, and Kaldar actively avoided Tempest directly, but everybody else... did they really care as long as they were benefitting?

I'm a strong believer in staying to the shadows, he said. That was the order of the day, after all, wasn't it? he said. And, indeed, it had been. Tempest had ordered the Sith to work in the shadows, and it was a great excuse for why no one had seen Kaldar.

No one needed to know the rest of the reasons. The best lies were filled with truth, and in this case, that was what made this one so excellent. It wasn't really a lie.

So tomorrow, meet up outside the offices, make the pitch, and I get you your loan, he said. It sounded like the perfect plan.

Sound good? he asked.

 

[Karys]

Karys listened to Kaldar’s explanation, he shrugged, it made enough sense. He sipped his drink again as he listened to Kaldar’s outline. So long as his financing was secured, Karys didn’t care. He had his own plans and the level of support that this potential alliance could bring was more than worth the risk.

“Meet outside the offices, got it.” Karys replied off handedly. “Let me ask you something Kaldar, what do you think is our greatest threat?” He asked his hand lifted up and made a small circle gesture. The indication was the whole Order, not specifically them.

Karys had always been more social than his peers, gaining insights from new perspectives was always a boon. Plus, it seemed like Kaldar was a Sith Master, surely he had wisdom on this topic?

Regardless of Kaldar’s answer, Karys would call it a night after another drink. He’d pat Kaldar once on the shoulder as he stood from his stool. He’d give his new ally a smirk.

“Until tomorrow Kaldar.” He stated. “It’s refreshing to work with you so far.” He continued with a nod of his head. “Good night.”

With that Karys would head back towards his ship to spacetime Azar. He’d make himself another drink and drunkenly talk to his boyfriend about his day. Eventually, he’d pass out on the phone.

The next morning wasn’t exactly pleasant. Karys woke with a slight headache and aversion to light. But he got himself dressed and made his way back to corporate sector of Muunilinst. He’d look around for Kaldar from behind a pair of sunglasses. If he spotted him, he’d nod in Kaldar’s direction before approaching.

“How’d your night go after the bar?” Karys asked with a small grin.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Incompetence, he said without missing a beat. The Sith were - and always had been - their own worst enemy. Sometimes it was infighting, some times it was passivity, and when Kaldar had left the Order, it was incompetence. Gross, rampant incompetence. It seemed things were looking up for the Order proper these days, but Kaldar still wasn't coming back.

He headed off for the night and got a great night of sleep before waking the next day and heading out to his next business meeting.

Oh, uneventful... he said, head tilting slightly to the side as he looked at Karys.

Seems like it might have been better than your night, he said.

He wasted no further time, though, eager to get this deal signed, sealed, and finished. He frankly had no patience for these "appointments" anymore, and with a quick pair of mind tricks, the two of them were in the waiting room of the great head of Clan Takinashi.

You ready for this? he asked quietly. He wasn't even planning to do much else other than rely on his skills that Raze had taught him: use the Force, make the man act in his own best interest, and make sure those interests aligned with Kaldar's interests. Honestly, with the power of the Force, it wasn't even that hard.